Lots to do in downtown Concord in July

July 4th events, two weekly music programs and two Farmers' Markets plus weekly food truck nights make downtown Concord the place to be in July.

On Monday, July 4, a series of Independence Day events will include a pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m., Police Officer's Association 5K Fun Run at 8 a.m., and Concord's July 4th parade at 10 a.m. Festivities continue a few blocks away at 4 p.m. at Mt. Diablo High School with a family carnival followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.

The Thursday Night Music and Market series is in fully swing with different performers on the Todos Santos Stage every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. while the Farmers' Market is in the plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. A second weekly Farmers' Market is held Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On July 5, the popular Tuesday Night Blues series returns for the month of July. The series kicks off with blues diva Annie Sampson on the stage from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Cool Concord Cars, a vintage auto show from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Fargo Brothers are the musical guests July 12, followed by Willie G on July 19 and The Shari Puorto Band July 26.

Off the Grid rolls into the plaza on Monday nights, offering cuisine from around the world from its popular food trucks from 5 to 9 p.m.

Downtown Concord is gaining a reputation for its number of craft brew pubs and trendy restaurants. Many visitors come for the music programs and enjoy dinner at one of the establishments bordering the plaza.

Todos Santos Plaza is located in downtown Concord on Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant streets. Free parking is available on the street and in two municipal garages with entrances on Salvio Street. For information, visit www.cityofconcord.org/downtownevents.